Recent Fact Sheets

Presenter: Tino Carnevale, 14/07/2012

SERIES 23 Episode 16

If you choose healthy plants in the pot, you're more likely to have success with the plant in the garden. Tino went to a nursery to show us what to look for.

SizeTino showed us two specimens of Agonis flexuosas or Willow Myrtle, which typically grows to between three and five metres. The first was cheaper, as it hadn't been in the pot for long; it cost around $20 and was only around 70cm high. A larger plant, at around 2.5 metres high, cost $70. Although the larger one is good for instant effect in the garden, eventually the smaller plant will outgrow the larger after two years or so in the ground because its smaller root zone means there'll be less transplant shock and the little potted plant will establish quite quickly.

HealthThe potted plants' general health is another key selection criterion. Tino explained it's best to seek out plants that are actively growing, with lush green foliage and visible new growth. Avoid plants with off-coloured leaves. In particular, yellowing or purple leaves indicate nutrient deficiencies.

Flowers and FruitNurseries often sell plants that are in flower or fruit. Whilst this is a good way to determine what the plant will look like in the garden, they will often do better if they are planted when they are not in flower. Look for a plant that's already flowered and recovered or has yet to come into bloom. If flowering, Tino recommends removing the buds, flowers or fruit at planting, so the plant can put more energy into growing and getting established.

Roots and ShootsRoot to shoot ratio is an important gauge of how well a plant will transplant.

A plant that has just been 'potted on' will have a lot of give in its plastic pot when squeezed. This means there's not much root development - just potting mix. It's still all right to buy a plant like this - just grow it on in the pot for an additional few weeks to let the root ball fill out before planting in the garden.

One of the signs that a plant has outgrown its pot is that its roots are exposed at the top of the pot. If the pot is squeezed, there's not much give, indicating it's become root-bound. This means the plant's strangling in its own roots and is likely to suffer and die if planted.

The best ratio to look for is a potted plant with good, healthy shoots and a pot that feels like it's filling out - but not bound - with plant roots.

StructureThe final tip Tino gave is about structure. When choosing a tree or large shrub, first determine its use.

If you want a tree that will stand tall and look spectacular, choose a plant with a strong central leader and most of the growth at the top.

If you want a hedging or screening plant, choose a multi-stemmed plant with no obvious central leader. It will thicken up well into a bushy screen.

These tips should help all gardeners choose the best possible plants for their purpose.

Information contained in this fact sheet is a summary of material included in the program. If further information is required, please contact your local nursery or garden centre.

Copyright Restrictions: This fact sheet is for private and domestic information purposes only. It may not be copied, reproduced, sold or used for any other purpose without the express permission of the ABC.